Eden in Concho County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
General Ira C. Eaker
In 1926-27, Eaker served as a pilot in the Pan American Goodwill Tour. He also conceived and tested innovative flight procedures. During the 1930s, he earned a journalism degree and graduated from the Army Command and General Staff School in Kansas. At the outbreak of World War II, Eaker was sent to England to organize and oversee the U.S. 8th Army Air Force Bomber Command, coordinating efforts with the Royal Air Force in round-the-clock bombing of Germany’s war works. He sometimes accompanied his men, believing a commander should know what his troops face in combat. He commanded the 8th Army Air Force and later the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces. Near war’s end, he served at the Pentagon as Deputy Commanding General of the Army Air Forces.
Eaker retired in 1947 and worked for Howard Hughes and then for Douglas Aircraft Company, from which he retired in 1961. He launched a newspaper column a few years later and involved himself in military commentary for the rest of his life. He returned here often for family and community events. The recipient of more than 50 awards and decorations, including knighthood in England and a U.S. Congressional Gold Medal as “Aviation Pioneer and Air Power Leader,” he died August 6, 1987.
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12922.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Settlements & Settlers • War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is April 13, 1896.
Location. 31° 12.895′ N, 99° 50.693′ W. Marker is in Eden, Texas, in Concho County. Marker is at the intersection of S. Main Street (U.S. 83) and Jackson Boulevard, on the right when traveling north on S. Main Street. Marker is located in Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eden TX 76837, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James Earl Rudder (here, next to this marker); Eden (within shouting distance of this marker); On April 21, 1836 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pioneers Rest Cemetery (about 700 feet away); Eden Church of Christ (approx. ¼ mile away); First Baptist Church of Eden (approx. ¼ mile away); Eden United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Trinity Lutheran Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eden.
Also see . . . Ira Clarence Eaker. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Handbook of Texas Online". (Submitted on March 28, 2018.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 266 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 28, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.